Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-03-05
mn. TROrrER TALKS.



Mr. James M. Trotter, the new recorder Of deeds
sat under picture OF Nj. Dan Lamont In his priv
ate Office In the City hall this morning. and chat
ted pleasantly with STAR reporter. He
said he had been mortfned by representations
made In what purported 60 be interviews with
him. and which were calculated 20 give wrong
impression OF his views II would not be inter
viewee while my nomination was pending" ne
said 'because I appreciated the gravity Of the
situation The circumstances were such that %
was not proper To me to talk. ] am a friend -
newspaper work myself and IKE 20 help tham-
81 feel the responsibility OF the positionI have
preciate Deeply sSe u commence n' ,mned by The
Presidents nomination. 1 shall endeavor In this
case, as have In all positions have been called
duty 70 the citizens OF The DisIricL did not seek
the place, and therefore I simply regard
pains to examine the ooe nce n. Rs been Ssr
and can truthfuuy say that md AL It's depart
%s s ID meSa excellent working condition
shall consider the citizens OF the District fortu-
nate also-if shall be able 10 maintain II I'm the
over TO me by my able predecessor, MI MatthewH
expect 70 give my full attention TO the duties OF
as hold the position expect 70 be regularly Oh
hand 70 discharge the duties OF the ONCE taxing
all the responsibilities belonging 70 the position,
Cooperation OF the employees OF the once.
He lad, he said, no exaggerated estimation Of
through care and ndelity he referred In terms Of
admiration 70 ne remarkable ability and splen-
did devotion 70 principle exhibited by the late
trict," he said ''doing business with this once An
my opinion have reason 20 feel grateful 20 him Tor
In the conduct OF this ONCE The feeling or preju-
iss:sd here has not DISTURBED me or
OF human nature, both white ana black. 20 mSke
all due allowances for It's weaknesses am liberal
enough not TO DE affected In my conduct towards
people by the color OF their faces and have always
| 80 acted l number among my warm friends as
many people OF the white race as do perhaps OF
the other. Certainly, In my position here 1 shall
act entirely regardless OF any question OF race"
81 wish you would say" Mr. TroJJer continued
shat have been deeply affected by the immense
number OF kilograms and letters have received
not only from Massachusetts, but from ali parts Ok
| the country, and deeply moved by the expressions
coming from all classes OF citizens have not had
| time to answer them when get time 1 shall
answer every one. In the meantime I hope nv
friends viii learn through the press how grateful
am and OF my determination 10 prove worthy u
| the confidence so heartily expressed"
shave you called on the President YETI" asked
i"Knowing how very busy he has been sunce INV
arrival here, Mr.. Trotter said, II have not vet
| called on the President, but am anxious 60 pay
my respects to him at the earliest moment suitable
Mr.. Trotter remarked while speaking OF the
question OF color, that this was not the frst
time he had been put In trying position When
| In the army, when he was promoted and wore
| shoulder straps ne said he had 70 meet prejudice
| against color, and had so conducted himself that
| he WAS treated with respect by white officers.
When leaving the army, he was appointed at once
to position OF responsibility In the Boston Post
ONCE Hewas the first colored clerk ever appointed
In that ONCE. subsequently he was made assist
ant superintendent OF the registry division, and
was frequently In charge OF the Office having q
large force OF clerks under him. and being brought
| daily into contact with the business men a Tia
city. whatever feeling there may have ben g
nrst, he said, seemed soon TO wear aWAy, end The
question OF color was not thought OF